Increasing thyroid cancer incidence in <scp>Q</scp>ueensland, <scp>A</scp>ustralia 1982–2008 – true increase or overdiagnosis?

Abstract

There has been a marked increase in thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland. The increase is evident in men and women across all adult age groups, socio-economic strata and remoteness-of-residence categories as well as in localized and more advanced-stage cancers. Our results suggest 'overdiagnosis' may not entirely explain rising incidence. Contemporary aetiological data and individual-level information about diagnostic circumstances are required to further understand reasons for rising thyroid cancer incidence.